Opportunity offers current Indiana University Law School studentchance to experience state government

(Indianapolis) – Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita is pleased to announce that Ellen Winternheimer of Indianapolis is currently completing the prestigious 2009 Indiana Secretary of State Fellowship Program. The summer-long program selects college and university students from around the state and allows them the opportunity to experience state government first-hand by rotating through the Secretary of State’s divisions.

“Ellen exemplifies the kind of top-notch students we have here in Indiana,” Secretary Rokita said. “I feel that she is an individual who will help guide our state and country with her desperately-needed leadership in the coming years, and I’m thrilled to have her here, as she is a valuable addition to our office.”

Winternheimer recently graduated from the Honors and Distinctions program at Miami University of Ohio with a degree in political science and a concentration in European culture and society. While at Miami, she was a member of the executive board of the Alpha Phi Sorority as director of all member education and director of campus activities. In addition to these roles, Winternheimer also worked on the creation of a nonprofit organization called L.E.A.P. Resources, which advocates for those with special needs in the Southeastern Ohio area.

Ellen cites her most profound moment so far this summer as the opportunity she had to sit in on part of the special session in the House of Representatives. She is currently working on a project to increase state agency participation in and raise money for the St. Vincent Foundation’s Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

“This internship is valuable to me because it has opened my eyes to the opportunities that the Secretary of State’s office can provide for current lawyers and lawyers to be,” Winternheimer said. “It’s unique because I get a taste of every department Secretary Rokita oversees. It provides an unusual opportunity to do different types of work and figure out which interests me most.”

Winternheimer said that she enjoys working with other people who have a real interest in helping the state of Indiana. “It is a pleasure to be a part of such a well-rounded office,” she said.

A 2005 graduate of North Central High School, Winternheimer is the daughter of Louis and Lisa Winternheimer. She will attend Indiana University Law School in Indianapolis starting in the fall.